SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham seized the New Mexico governor's office away from Republican control as Democratic candidates swept a long list of statewide races.
Sentiments against President Donald Trump were running high across much of the state as Lujan Grisham defeated GOP Congressman Steve Pearce by a wide margin in Tuesday's election.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich will serve a second term after winning a three-way race. Democrat Debra Haaland will fill Lujan Grisham's congressional seat.
Democrats won re-election as attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer. Democratic state lawmaker Stephanie Garcia Richard will become the state's first female land commissioner.
The election positions Democrats to overhaul public education standards and funding, and the state's approach to hot-button issues including climate change.